The charity said the number of animals being abandoned "could be down to a number of reasons".

"When owners are unable to cope whether that be with an animal's behaviour, the costs of keeping the pet or other things in their life take over they opt to dump them," the spokeswoman added.

"We also find that in the summer months the number of abandoned animal we collect rises as some people dump their animals rather than finding care for them while they are away on their holidays and others have grown bored of the pet they got around Christmas time.

"We would always say to anyone who is struggling to cope with their animal - it is always best to ask for help either from friends and family or by turning to one of the animal rescue organisations up and down the country.

"If you find an animal in distress or have concerns for an animal please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Calls are taken in confidence."